Presented by the Herts Advertiser, the four-day event will take place between November 6-9, and cover everything literary from chick lit and crime fiction to self-help books and blogging.

Nationally-acclaimed names will rub shoulders with local writers over the course of the long weekend, with award-winning authors Jonathan Stroud and Kate Griffin already on board as festival ambassadors.

The past few months have seen a flurry of activity by festival organisers on securing venues, sourcing sponsorship and shortlisting writers keen to take part.

Although there is still a great deal to be done before November, some of the confirmed participants can now be announced.

They include local crime writer James Carol, whose thriller Broken Dolls features scenes in Verulamium Park, Rachael Lucas, author of the best-selling Sealed With A Kiss, Miranda Carter, who wrote the critically acclaimed biography of the art historian and spy, Anthony Blunt: His Lives, Watchmen comics artist Dave Gibbons, and The Weight of Water author Sarah Crossan.

Other writers who have agreed to appear include Rowan Coleman, author of The Accidental Wife and The Accidental Mother, historical writer Wendy Wallace, who penned The Painted Bridge, Take Back the Skies author Lucy Saxon and poet and children’s writer Tony Mitton.

Festival director Claire Walsh said: “The line-up this year is starting to look absolutely amazing, I’m thrilled that our first festival has attracted so many great speakers. There really is something for everyone from chick-lit to historical fiction events, creative writing and travel journalism workshops and so much more. It really is going to be hard to choose which events to attend!

“We are working hard behind the scenes to make this one of the best events our city has to offer, but it can’t be done without local support. We desperately need additional sponsorship to enable us to confirm some of the authors and make sure that the events are affordable to everyone. If you think you can help then do get in touch.”

Children’s programme director Jennifer Blackford added: “The programme for families and schools is starting to come together nicely and there are lots of really exciting events to get children of all ages involved, including bedtime stories, performance poetry, author talks and panel discussions.

“The support from the local community has been amazing and it is brilliant to see that people are genuinely looking forward to a literary festival in St Albans. We are currently looking for willing volunteers to help manage specific events, as well as volunteers to help out over the weekend so if you think you have the time and skills to get involved please do get in touch.”

To volunteer to help out at the festival contact festival volunteers coordinator Danny Smith on danny.smith@stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk and if you’re interested in sponsorship email Claire Walsh at enquiries@stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk